Every fitness magazine and trainer's blog has articles published about what exercises to do to “blast the excess fat”, the how to's on “building the perfect six pack” or the “sexy bikini ready body". It's all out there at the click of a button. For some these are desired, motivational and fun new workouts that can be effective in results while keeping a training program fresh! For others this just may not be enough of, or the right workout to see the desired results that are claimed in the title of the workout. It is common for fitness goers or newby exercisers to compare their current condition, body type and shape to those featured in these magazines, with expectations of achieving a body comparable to these idolized fitness models, just by completing these workouts. This unhealthy mindset and comparison has many not acknowledging their body type and creating unrealistic physical or esthetically pleasing goals.
Yes, of course working out is the best plan of action and following these workouts is extremely beneficial in the reduction of inches, added muscle mass and strength to help alter one’s natural shape, functionality and strength. However, one’s genetic setup and build will not change! If you're a pear shape, you will not magically transform into a hourglass body type. With a high percentage of people striving for an unrealistic image of “perfection” I question how there can be such a significant “gap” in how one perceives themselves with the discontentment attached to their natural build and the unhealthy never ending struggle for bigger and better change and even “perfection”.
What does need to change is how one views their body’s unique shape, weight, size and bone structure. Our body, whether in a state of “perfection” or “imperfection” does not define who we are, we define ourselves daily with our every thought and action. If positive, those thoughts and actions will propel us to maintain a healthy, happy, confident attitude with success in areas of health and wellness in which radiates from within us, having us feel our best and look our best no matter what shape! If we experience negative thoughts and actions the opposite will occur - an unhealthier lifestyle by perhaps over training to achieve our vision of a better body; under nourishing and reducing calories to lose more weight; an unbalanced and unconditioned body due to only doing cardio in hopes to lean down to be “skinny”. This will result in a lack of contentedness, happiness and confidence no matter how great we look! This is all because of striving to be what you are not meant to be and because this is not how your body was meant to be!
This understanding of knowing who you are, knowing what makes you feel great about yourself and acceptance of your body type should be as simple to embrace as learning a basic squat, plank, lunge and crunch, but it's not for some…..for many! Unfortunately, it can be simpler to ignore the feelings of discontent or push away self love, self understanding and self respect, leaving you in a state of self hatred due to the disappointment of not accomplishing the unrealistic body shape goals. The question I ask you is, “How happy are you with your health, physical state, the functionality and strengths of your unique body?” After all…health is not just about your shape!
I may be an expert in fitness, health and wellness, but I’m not the expert of you! Only you can be honest with yourself and recognize your habits that have you feeling confident about your positive efforts, gains, lifestyle and body. And it is only you who can be honest with the mental battle you have with yourself that has you fighting who you really are, by not accepting, embracing and working with your natural build.I challenge anyone who is struggling with body image to follow these steps to help get you on track with training for your specific body type versus fighting against your body's build.
1. Discover your natural body type: Google the different types to see what your body shape would be classified as.
- Straight body type
- Spoon body type
- Top hourglass body type
- Oval body type
- Pear body type
- Hour glass body type
- Inverted triangle body type
- Diamond body type
2. Write down a detailed list of all physical goals that you are trying to achieve currently that has you feeling like you’re battling against your body.
3. Select on the above list of body types which one best describes the body type that you are currently trying to achieve, if it is different from your body type write it down next to your body type.
4. Now that you have perhaps realized the difference between the two body types write down all of the emotions and feelings that you have felt working so hard for a specific, non- realistic, physical goal. List the negative habits, self abusive thoughts, actions and habits that were formed on your quest of achieving these changes. Recognizing a pattern of bad and unhealthy habits is a great way to create necessary healthy and positive changes. Then write down how you want to feel when you are working towards creating your success.
5. Do your online research or hire a personal trainer to assist you in discovering what style of workout, intensity and dietary habits would best suit you to help you achieve your realistic goals for your body type, having you feel great about your accomplishments.
Taking the pressure off yourself to be something that you are not may just give you a sense of peace and offer a fresh outlook on health and fitness. Learning how to work with your body and your body's needs can be an amazing and rewarding feat that will get you on track to achieving the realistic body of your dreams for your body type. Have fun with this new process of training to be the best and happiest version of you!
If you have any comments, questions or inquiries for personal training or wellness coaching contact Kasie directly at 250-859-2431 or learn more about Kasie at www.profilefitnesstraining.com
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.